Lucien was on his way to surprise May, a rare grin tugging at his lips as he thought of the look on her face when he showed up unexpectedly. He'd been busy with meetings in Paris for days, and while they spoke morning and night, he wanted to be there in person, to see her smile and know she was truly alright.
As he turned onto the main road leading out of the city, his phone buzzed. Seeing Milo's name on the screen, he quickly answered, expecting one of their usual light-hearted conversations. But the rushed tone in Milo's voice immediately set him on edge.
"Lucien, it's May... something happened."
Lucien's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his expression hardening. "What happened, Milo? Tell me everything."
Milo's voice dropped, a mix of anger and concern. "She was... attacked. Your manager—he cornered her in the changing room. I found her in the kitchen, blood on her head. She tried to run but nearly collapsed. I've taken her to the clinic nearby."
Lucien's knuckles went white as rage seared through him, his jaw clenching so tightly he thought it might crack. "Where is she now?" His voice was low, calm, but the barely restrained fury simmered beneath each word.
"At the clinic on Rue Saint-Pierre. She's being seen by the doctor, and Lucille is with her now," Milo continued. "Lucien, I swear, if I'd known—"
"Milo," Lucien interrupted, his tone sharp but appreciative. "Thank you for being there. And thank Lucille for me too." He took a steadying breath, though his heart thundered with anger. "I'm on my way."
Without a second thought, Lucien pressed his foot down on the accelerator, weaving through traffic, his mind racing with what he would do when he got his hands on the manager. Images of May, hurt and afraid, filled his mind, and with each mile, the anger in his veins burned hotter.
In record time, he reached the clinic and burst through the doors, scanning the room until he spotted Lucille, who stood up immediately upon seeing him.
"She's resting in the back," Lucille whispered, concern etched across her face. "The doctor's with her now."
Lucien nodded, taking a steadying breath as he forced himself to approach calmly. He'd let May rest and recover first—but once she was safe, he would make sure that the man who hurt her would pay.
